Architecture

West Indies Home Plans

British West Indies is a term to describe the British islands in and around the Caribbean, where this style of Architecture started in the British Caribbean colonies during the late 18th & 19th centuries. The settlers of these Caribbean islands originally imported the formal Architecture that they were used to, but over time it was adapted to a less formal style of life that we all know and appreciate while visiting an Island today. Some of the islands that have created this British West Indies Architectural style have been The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Turks and Caicos Islands, Saint Kitts, Grenada, and Dominica to name a few. This house plan style includes spaces defined by columns, louvers, railings and shutters. Lush inviting outdoor living areas, with clean lines, covered porches and no shortage of windows. These features addressed the local excessive heat, harsh sunlight and generous rainfall often found in the islands. It is typical to find the first floor with stucco and second floor with siding, the soffits adorned with tongue and groove roof decking and then topped with a metal roof. These homes also feature distinct West Indies elements such as large wooden verandahs, traditional railings, finials and cathedral ceilings. This West Indies style, although, not new has been a popular style this year in many coastal Florida communities.